unlicensed

adjective

un·​li·​censed ˌən-ˈlī-sᵊn(t)st 

: not licensed: such as

a

: not authorized or permitted by a license

unlicensed merchandise

an unlicensed firearm

the unlicensed reproduction of books

b

: operating without a license

unlicensed vendors

an unlicensed electrician

unlicensed brokers

unlicensed drivers

Examples of unlicensed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Roswell police say a search for a missing elderly man ended with an unlicensed personal care home shut down and its operator arrested. —Dan Raby, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026

Under California law, an unlicensed contractor cannot recover compensation for work requiring a license. —Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Mar. 2026

The driver of the moped received a summons for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and uninsured motor vehicle. —Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 10 Mar. 2026

The lawsuit alleges the business constitutes unlicensed gambling and that Kalshi conducts this business in Michigan without the licensing approval of the Michigan Gaming Control Board in violation of the LSBA. —Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unlicensed

• licenced
• licensed

Medical Definition

unlicensed

adjective

un·​li·​censed

variants or chiefly British unlicenced

-ˈlīs-ᵊn(t)st

: not licensed

especially, of a drug : not approved for use by the appropriate regulating authority (as the Food and Drug Administration in the United States)